Two Bucks schools have been awarded a national acclaim for their sustainable school travel plans which encourage children and young people to walk or cycle to school.

St Marys and All Saints C of E School, Beaconsfield, and The Iver Village Junior School were among 100 schools across the country that were nominated at the Modeshift STARS National School Travel Awards, and among four schools in the county that received gold accreditations this year.

The scheme which is sponsored by the Department of Transport recognises efforts to promote a more active and sustainable school run.

Both schools were nominated for all their “hard work” and praised for focusing on the impact of travel to and from school on the environment and safety.

The schools’ representatives recently met at County Hall in Aylesbury to celebrate their success and were presented with their certificates and plaques.

Executive Director for Transport, Environment and Economy Neil Gibson, said: “It is fantastic to see such forward-thinking by children and young people in the county when it comes to transport and the environment.”

“This award is well-deserved by both schools for their drive and determination in inspiring parents, peers and other children in Bucks to make small changes to their journey that could help make big changes to the environment, as well as improving pupils’ health and wellbeing and learning some important lift skills too.”

Across the county 56 schools now hold accreditation in the scheme which promotes active, safe and sustainable travel by families making the school journey.